In an open field
if I come upon
a wild ox
and place a yoke
on its neck.
Is it the yoke
or the ox
or is it I
that is tamed?
A reflection on Case 70 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)
SOZAN’S RAISING LIVESTOCK
yoke
NO MIND, NO BUDDHA 無門關 三十三
Baso knows well
only the ox truly understands the yoke
but if you offer it
the ox will not accept.
Why would you seek
to become the ox
as it would be better
to burn the yoke.
A reflection on Case 33 of the Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate Koans)
NO MIND, NO BUDDHA
Baso knows well
only the ox truly
understands the yoke
but if you offer it
the ox will not accept.
Why would you seek
to become the ox
as it would be better
to burn the yoke.
A reflection on case 33 of the Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate)
NO MIND, NO BUDDHA 無門關 三十三
Baso knows well
only the ox truly
understands the yoke
but if you offer it
the ox will not accept.
Why would you seek
to become the ox?
It would be better
to burn the yoke.
A reflection on Case 33 of The Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate)
an old writer and his words 